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House District 21
Waikiki, Ala Wai
*Denotes incumbent
Tom Brower
DEMOCRAT
Age: 35
Job: Director of development and community relations for Ronald McDonald House Charities
Years here: 35What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Bulldog Brower, watchdog of Waikiki, puts residents first! He's president of the 27-year old Waikiki Residents Association, leader of his district's citizens patrol, and member of the Waikiki Neighborhood Board. Tom's a young, strong, leader for a safe, clean, and green Ala Wai and Waikiki. Beware the biting Bulldog.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
The economy: We must vigorously develop a more diversified economy emphasizing ecotourism, technology sciences, and substantial tax cuts. The environment: We deserve the better beaches, infrastructure, and conservation districts. Health care: I'm raising two grandparents. I know their challenges. Jean, Al and our neighbors deserve quality, cost-efficient health care.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Civil service needs a reality check. It should be managed more like a private business that is sensitive to the economy. Staff found responsible for substantial misappropriations should be terminated. State and city departments need to consolidate duplicated services. We need less lobbying efforts, and more meaningful, practical accountability.
Raymond E. Deflavis
REPUBLICAN
Age: 44
Job: Acting director of St. Peter & Paul Outreach
Years here: 10What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
As the majority of Waikiki residents are transplanted mainlanders -- I think it important for them to have like-minded representation. My opponent boasts of his "local" roots. I don't view that as an asset in Waikiki. Additionally, I've sat on the Waikiki Neighborhood Board -- my opponent served on the Kahala board. I have a history of volunteerism in the community; i.e., D.A.V., Life Foundation ...
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
a) Integrate Hawaii police department with mainland recruits. b) Integrate Hawaii public schools with qualified mainland applicants -- teachers. c) Resident voices must be heard over that of the special interests.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Put an end to the "localism" and "parochialism" in hiring. Unfortunately, Hawaii reeks with provincialism and it retards the collective body politic -- the civil service system is one of the worst examples of this.
Galen Fox*
REPUBLICAN
Age: 57
Job: Economic development specialist
Years here: 57What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
I have accomplished much representing Waikiki/Ala Wai in the state House since 1996. On behalf of residents, I successfully fought to: 1) keep commercialization out of Ala Wai Harbor; 2) reduce crime, especially prostitution; and 3) provide more park and green space. I also helped tighten noise controls.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
First, reverse high-cost, no-job conditions that force people to leave Hawaii. To increase income and create jobs here, end cruel excise tax on food, sickness, and basic shelter. Second, improve public education by providing all parents, not just wealthy, genuine school choices. Third, reduce crime through drug-treatment prisons.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
We must modernize our civil service. We can have smaller, more efficient government by providing employees higher pay in exchange for broadened responsibilities, just as the federal government has done. Nobody gets fired. Government must set priorities, keeping what is important, and doing away with unnecessary or duplicative programs.
David Maldonado
DEMOCRATWhat are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
Did not respond.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
Did not respond.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Did not respond.
Robert J. Morgenweck
DEMOCRAT
Age: 34
Job: Grant writer
Years here: 8What are the unique qualifications you bring to this job?
I have been working on Ala Wai Canal-oriented issues for the last three years, and as such bring the best understanding of water quality issues of any candidate in the race. I also live in Waikiki and understand what it is like to be working class in Waikiki. I patronize Waikiki businesses, go to Waikiki beach. I live the Waikiki life.
What are the top three issues facing Hawaii (from most pressing to least)?
Economic diversification. Education, both higher and lower. Job expansion.
Are changes needed to the civil service system? If so, what are they?
Some. If the governor is going to be held responsible for the performance of government operations, then he needs a system that is more responsive to his control. By allowing the control, good workers would be able to be rewarded and poor workers can be removed. There needs to be an incentive to perform well. Civil service reform can provide that incentive.
